This is an example of the kind of apps kids are creating using a MIT open source educational project called Scratch:<br><br><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/Jacobo/62911">http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/Jacobo/62911</a><br>
<br>Scratch is a drag-and drop desktop programming application. It's a sort of "mash up for tyros". <br><br>What impressed me is how fast kids can learn to manipulate the programming language to build pretty compelling applications. It's very similar to the first Lego Mindstorms programming model. <br>
<br>For $32, you can buy a 'scratchboard', a bright yellow USB I/O device that is intrinsically supported by the language. The board has 4 input lines (each with a wire and alligator clip and a yellow wire), a slider potentiometer, a light sensor, and a noise sensor. <br>
<br>Jacob's Alien DNA application is funny. But this environment could be used for simple simulations in a classroom environment. The ridiculously low entry price, compelling look of the output apps (which are designed to be shared via the web), and the dead-simple programming model are impressive.<br>
<br>One cool part of the system is that anyone can reprogram another model they download with Scratch. One 'seed' production can lead to dozens of mutations. <br><br>We may be a lot closer to "M13 Cart" and "T7 Goes Wild" than anyone thinks. Don't worry about the biohackers. It may be the teen-bopper scratches that have the last laugh.<br>
<br>B.<br><br>